Author Eliza Knight shares her fave Highlander romances

Author Eliza Knight shares her fave Highlander romances

What do Julie Garwood, Diana Gabaldon, Jude Deveraux, Sandy Bair and Eliza Knight all have in common? They write books that feature men in kilts (yum!). Scottish historical romance and erotic romance author Eliza, whose The Highlander’s Conquest is out now, shares some of her favorite Highlander romances.

Eliza: Thanks so much to Joyce and HEA for inviting me to post today! I’m excited to share with you all my all-time favorite Highland romances, stories that have stuck with me over the years and characters that I fell in love with …

The Bride by Julie Garwood. This was the very first romance novel (beyond the classics) that I’ve ever read. I was in high school and immediately fell in love with alpha Alec and wanted to be feisty Jamie. The plot was intriguing to me. I’d never read a story set in Scotland nor with a hero wearing a plaid. But beyond that, it was the way Alec cared for Jamie — the way his gruff exterior hid a softer side. That, in a way, they healed each other. I was fascinated to experience how she changed from fearing and despising him to loving him and protecting him. When I went into relationships after reading this book, I looked for a bit of Alec in the men I dated. And I expected them to be just as good in bed.

The Secret by Julie Garwood. Yes, another Julie Garwood! I would have put all of her books on this list! She is an amazing storyteller. This book I loved not only because of the romance, but because of the friendship between Judith and Frances Catherine. They didn’t allow the fact that Judith was English and F.C. was Scottish get in the way of their friendship. For me, it resonated at the time, because I was again in high school and my best friend (to this day) was of a different culture, which was sometimes a barrier we forced ourselves through, because we loved each other, too. So I connected with this book, and I think most authors try, in some way, to connect with readers on a personal level. Every book will be different for every reader, depending on those feelings. I, of course, also love a tortured hero, and Iain was certainly that. When the big secret is revealed … well, Judith’s friendship with F.C. and her love for Iain will certainly stand the ultimate test. And I love ultimate tests. : )

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I am completely and utterly in love with Jamie Fraser. His naiveté and strength touched me. I read this book only a few years ago for the first time and I’ve read it more than once. There is so much going on in this book, I can’t pinpoint what I love the most. It’s just the whole time-traveling, adventurous, sensual package!

Highland Velvet by Jude Deveraux. After reading through all of Julie Garwood’s historicals, I needed another Highland fix! I stumbled across Jude Deveraux’s Velvet series. Deveraux is a genius at writing passionate, intense characters and stories. This book took my breath away. The heroine, Bronwyn, was herself a chief of a clan, full of confidence and fire. The hero is English and thinks to rule over her. Switching the places of the heroine and hero was a twist I hadn’t seen before. ‘Tis an enjoyable interplay that goes on between them, one that had me on the edge of my seat.

A Highlander for Christmas by Sandy Blair. I love Christmas, time-travels and Highlanders. It just might be every woman’s — well, at least mine — dream to wake up to a Highlander for Christmas … Umm, honey? Where’s your kilt? I know what I want for Christmas! But seriously, for me this book was awesome because it took place in contemporary times with a modern heroine full of today’s women’s thoughts and issues. Throw in a Highlander from the past and you’re in for a full-on fun and interesting ride!

To find out more about Eliza and her books, you can visit her website, ElizaKnight.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter (@ElizaKnight).